FAQ & Resources

Most frequently asked questions & resource guide

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions & Resources

Material

+What materials do you manufacture in?

Panels come in aluminum and Cor-Ten (weathering steel) for exteriors and interiors. Cold rolled steel & hot rolled steel interiors only.

+What are the thickness options?

Aluminum: .125 / .160 / .187 / .25
Cor-Ten Steel: 10 ga. / 12 ga. / 14ga.
Depending on product type and structural requirements.

Sizing / Forming

+What is the maximum panel size?

It is product dependent. Refer to the typical sizes for each standard product. Guardrails and fences are typically 4’ width max. Oversized sheets are available, but there is an added cost, and potential engineering limitations.

+What supports the panels?

Our systems are designed to reduce or eliminate secondary structural support. Our brake-formed return flanges on panel edges increase the structural integrity of the panel face and gives the optimal hardware attachment point. We have pre-designed/engineered brackets for mounting formed panels. Please see the standard product pages for details and corresponding bracket type in downloadable product sheet.

Finish

+What finishes are available?

The most popular finish we provide is architectural rated powder coating that complies with AAMA 2604. Typically a 2-coat process, primer plus color top coat, and available in a wide array of standard pallet colors from various industry suppliers. Standard finishes come with a 5 year color and gloss warranty.

We also offer AAMA 2605 Fluoropolymer finishes in either powder coat or liquid applied (Kynar or equal). Color matching is available in liquid applied Kynar. Limited 10 to 20 year warranties are available. Some colors may have extended lead times.

Anodize finish options include clear and dark bronze only.

Lead Time

+What is your fabrication lead time?

After the final shop drawing approval, with final field verification, it is approximately 5-7 weeks with powder coating; 7-8 weeks with Anodize or Kynar finish.

Installers

+Do you provide installation?

BOK Modern is material supply only, but in California and some US metro areas, we can provide a list of preferred installers. Please inquire.

+What if we are outside of these areas?

Our products are very easy to install. We can work with your installer or miscellaneous metal team by walking them through the installation methods via video call or conference call. See installation videos found on each product type page.

Pricing

+What do I need to provide to get an estimate? How long is your estimating lead time?

Please provide all relevant drawings (plan, elevation, section, detail, etc.) and specs (material, thickness, finish, and pattern) to ensure the most accurate estimate. Please note that we cannot provide a final estimate or go into contract until a 100% CD plan set is provided. Our estimate lead time is approximately 5-10 business days depending on the complexity of the project.

+How can I obtain a ROM number at a preliminary phase such as in conceptual or schematic design?

Please provide your SD or DD package for a ROM number. This has a much faster lead time.

Volume

+Is there a minimum order amount?

Yes, currently we have a $15k minimum order, and this equates to at least 4-6 full size panels typically.

Samples

+Can I get a sample made with my selections of patterns?

Due to our large pattern library, we don’t stock samples of every pattern. Please inquire about a pattern you like and we can propose a similar one we have in stock.

We can produce made to order samples in one of our standard patterns, or in a custom pattern (.DXF vector file required) at 24”x 24” with pattern at full scale. Made to order samples are $250 unfinished and take approximately 2-3 weeks, or finished in a standard stock color for $400 in approximately four weeks.

+Can I order color samples?

Yes, you can order color chips. Please note that lead time for each color sample is as following:

– Powder Coat from preferred suppliers: 3-5 days for in stock* (up to 3 color selections)
– Fluoropolymer**: 10-15 days (up to 3 colors in PPG / Duranar / or equal)
– Anodizing: 5-7 days (for clear or bronze anodize)

* Out of stock colors may have to be sourced from the supplier with 10-20 day lead times.
** Custom colors paint chips will be provided when needed for contracted projects.

Please contact BŌK Modern if you need special samples ordered for a specific project.

Design Service

+How do I obtain design-assist services if the design is in an early phase such as conceptual design?

We provide design-assist service during the estimating phase, including design charettes and technical and pricing exercises. We provide a design contract for projects that require more extensive design exploration for a longer period and for highly custom projects. Design contracts may also be required for engineering situations outside of typical conditions. Please inquire for a design contract assessment of your project.

Please inquire with us to setup a design consult or zoom charette.

How to Specify BŌK Modern products

+How do I spec out your product so it’s most cost efficient?

Cost effective projects make the most practical use of raw material sheet sizes. Configuring panel sizes that include face and edge forming to fit standard sheet sizes while satisfying engineering requirements can avoid excess waste.

Standardizing panel types as much as possible can save on design and documentation time. More units of fewer types drives cost down. Use a standard pattern and panel repeat vs. a continuous custom pattern image with many one-off panels. Each change in panel type, face size, variation in pattern, or edge detailing creates added panel types resulting in added costs.

Simple geometric shapes and moderately sized openings are more efficient to cut. Please see pattern library for our standardized patterns or contact BŌK Modern to talk you through guidelines for designing a custom, cost effective pattern.

+What do you mean by panel types and how does that effect pricing?

Panels with the exact same features (size, material, forming, finish, color, pattern layout, orientation, etc.) are considered the same ‘type’. Changes in any panel feature will result in a different panel type. More panel types equates to more hours for shop drawings and programming for fabrication resulting in higher costs.

+Where can I use BŌK Modern products?

We have lines of standardized products with pre-engineered details and mounting brackets. Our standardized product lines are:

– Guardrails
– Façade Cladding
– Canopies
– Shades
– Fence
– Products

+Are there specifications for the product lines offered?

Yes, and they are linked below:

+Are there ways to customize standard products or have completely customized products or building features?

Yes, and there are examples of custom projects below, and BOK Modern is happy to provide design consultations or charettes, and cost estimates. We can engage in Design Contracts to work out custom engineering and details, or pattern development.

Engineering

+Are your product lines pre-engineered?

Yes, each product line has pre-engineered details and panel dimensions. Staying within the guidelines will reduce custom engineering and material costs.

Patterns

+What is the scale of the patterns?

On each pattern’s page, the rough scale of the pattern is shown by the human figure behind the panel. We can provide the pattern CAD file upon request for design development per standard dimensions. It may be possible to scale patterns up or down to the client’s liking, but consult with BOK Modern for any limitations. Scaling a pattern down to have more numerous and smaller perforations does increase the cost.

+Can stock patterns be customized?

Yes, all stock patterns can be flipped, mirrored, rotated, and even scaled. Scaling patterns down does add cost due to longer machine time processing. Not all patterns can be scaled.

+Can we provide a custom pattern?

Yes, please send us a .DXF of the vector work (arcs- not splines or polylines). We will then evaluate it for pricing, and advise on needed alterations when appropriate.

+Is there an upcharge for custom patterns?

It depends on the pattern. If the custom pattern requires added laser time, the cost will increase. In many cases custom patterns do not add cost. If we are unable to fabricate the custom pattern provided, we would recommend ways to make it work by providing our fabrication guidelines. If you do not have a .DXF of the vector work, our design team can create this file, but as an added design service cost.

+Cost difference between custom patterns and standard patterns?

Cost difference between custom patterns and standard patterns?

+Size of perforation / size of webbing?

The minimum perforation size needs to be at least 2x the material thickness. So, 3/8” opening on 3/16” material. There is no max perforation size, except where code dictates – e.g. 4” sphere rule for guardrails. The webbing or material between perforations also needs to be 2x material thickness or greater for strength and to reduce deflection on the panel face. Long slots that cross most of a panel face can weaken the panel and may not be workable without modifications to ensure panel integrity.

+What is the least expensive pattern?

Simple patterns that have a standard, geometric design are the least expensive when laser-cut. Examples are: A18, B9, and B21.

+Are there patterns that are not climbable?

We cannot guarantee that any of our patterns are not climbable. However, we can suggest vertical patterns with fewer openings that are less conducive to climbing. While each jurisdiction will have its own unique code, we are often able to alter a pattern from our library that would discourage climbing. Scaling down with more perforations may increase the cost of fabrication.

+Are there specific patterns for garage screening?

Sometimes code requires a 50% opening. Pattern information on our website indicates approximate percent open area. Some standard and custom patterns may be altered to achieve a 50% opening by altering the size and spacing of perforations.

+What is the border dimension around a pattern?

For all patterns contained on the panel face, the minimum solid border or margin is 3/4” all around.

+Can we make a pattern go all the way to the edge of the panel?

It is possible for some patterns to eliminate the borders and bleed the pattern around the formed edge of the panel for a seamless look. Consult with BŌK Modern for any limitations.

+What percent openness are the standard patterns?

Each pattern page shows the approximate % of open area for the selected pattern. If you like a specific pattern and would like more % opening, some customization may be possible. Code compliance factors may limit modifications. A 4” maximum opening for balcony guardrails or long slots that allow too much deflection of the panels are typical limitations.